Understanding Mental Health Through An Intersectional Lens: Article Summary

Intersecting Realities: Understanding Mental Health Through an Intersectional Lens.

Amanda Benudiz Toronto Metropolitan University - Chang School of Continuing Education Department of Sociology CSOC: Health and Society Dr. Alireza Asgharzadeh November 22, 2023 Intersectionality is a theoretical framework coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw who is an American civil rights advocate and legal scholar. Her essay titled "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Anti-discrimination Doctrine Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics” explores the oppression of African-American Women; a group of individuals who were oppressed based on their gender and race simultaneously. Although Crenshaw focused on intersectionality

Public policies and social norms work together to reinforce one another and are the driving force behind social and economic inequality (Compton & Shim, 2015). The intersection of social determinants of mental health and marginalized communities results in significant disadvantages in all aspects of life. Individuals with intersecting identities are subject to increased sources of stress, which then results in mental health illnesses. Critical Analysis For many years, the dominant narrative surrounding mental health discourse included the dismissal and invalidation of thoughts and feelings. This created a stigma that has infiltrated society which discourages individuals from speaking about their struggles and making it harder to address the problem (Drake, 2022). These negative connotations may label individuals who struggle with their mental health as weak, unstable, or dangerous, further reinforcing negative stereotypes and discouraging others from seeking help. In addition to fighting mental illness, those struggling are also fighting the battle of seeking help and

By understanding socially constructed inequalities that create marginalized communities, it becomes evident that an intersectional approach is essential. The experiences of these individuals are shaped by interesting identities, and therefore, must take into account social identities such as race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. Unfortunately, these intersecting identities create disadvantages for individuals in many aspects of life. This research paper further highlights the mental health crisis in underprivileged communities, which includes having easy access to affordable, diverse, and unbiased services. References Ahad, A. A., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures to Improve Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(5), e39549. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549 Asgharzadeh, A. 2023, September 20 -. Social Determinants of Health & Intersectionality. Health and Social Care. Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada. Lecture 2. Bhugra, D., Till, A., & Sartorius, N. (2013). What is mental health? International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 59(1), 3-4. doi:10.1177/0020764012463315 Compton, M. T., & Shim, R. S. (2015). The Social Determinants of Mental Health. Focus: The Journey of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, 13, 419–425.